Rabbit, Rabbit…

Rabbit, Rabbit…White Rabbit, White Rabbit…

It’s been a long few days since my knee surgery.  Today is the first day that I’ve even remotely felt like venturing to write a post, but I thought it’s the perfect time to bring up a tradition that we’ve been doing for years.   Today is September 1st and on the first of every month, we say, “Rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit, white rabbit,” in the morning before breakfast (although it’s a loose rule because years ago when my son was 5, he cried because he forgot to say it before he ate and was convinced he would have a bad month)  So, being the good Mom, I amended the rule quickly before the tears really began rolling.  In fact, as my sons have grown, they’ve twisted the rabbit, rabbit to monkey, monkey ~ in a show of independence and yet caring for dear ol’ Mom.  Not quite rebelling as such, but doing it their way.  I don’t mind, I think it’s funny because they get such a kick out of saying it to me.

Do any of you know of this tradition?  I can’t tell you where it began for me or how…I just know that the start of the new month has me declaring that phrase before savoring my first sip of my coffee in the early morning and brings me a smile knowing that I’ve begun my month with luck!

I started looking up the phrase ‘Rabbit, rabbit” and a plethora of websites and theories abounded.  Some stated that the tradition started in the 1880s, some stated that there are conditions upon saying the phrase to another person, some even have a slight variation on the way it’s said (hare in the morning, rabbit at night).  It’s an interesting take on a cute family tradition that I never thought much about….until now.

One piqued my interest:

“There is a tradition in the military (at least in the USAF) involving white rabbit. It is a game, as well as a way to keep in touch with those with whom you were stationed. When a new month begins, it is a contest as to who can tell the other person ‘white rabbit’ first; must be live communication, no answering machines, letters, etc. Usually the wager would be a drink. However, like I said, it allowed you an ‘excuse’ to call people once a month and catch up.”

So, in the military tradition, I send you Rabbit, Rabbit first…

Now let’s go get a Mimosa to start off our month with luck!

For me, it’ll be lucky because you’re buying!

Have you said it this morning?

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit

to YOU!

xo